COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology provides students with a comprehensive education in the study of animals, integrating modern biological principles across multiple levels of organization, from genes to ecosystems. The program emphasizes animal behavior, physiology, evolution, biodiversity, and ecological interactions. Students gain a solid foundation through core courses in biological diversity, genetics, evolution, cell biology, microbiology, ecology, anatomy, and physiology, complemented by laboratory work and research experiences. Chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses provide essential quantitative and analytical skills, while writing-intensive and elective courses develop scientific communication and critical thinking. Zoology students also have opportunities for experiential learning through internships, individual investigations, senior honors theses, and guided electives, which allow them to explore specialized topics such as vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, entomology, animal physiology, parasitology, and animal behavior. Additional requirements, including Kent Core courses and foreign language study, ensure a well-rounded liberal arts foundation. With a minimum total of 120 credit hours and both major and overall GPAs of 2.0 required for graduation, students are prepared for diverse career paths. Graduates may pursue employment immediately in settings such as national or local parks, zoos, aquaria, museums, wildlife research facilities, rehabilitation centers, veterinary offices, or humane societies. Alternatively, the program lays strong groundwork for those seeking graduate or professional education in fields such as wildlife management, veterinary medicine, conservation biology, or research. The program’s combination of theoretical knowledge, practical laboratory skills, and applied field experience equips students to understand animal biology in depth, contribute to biodiversity and conservation efforts, and respond to environmental and ecological challenges with scientific expertise. Faculty guidance ensures students select electives and experiential courses to align with career goals, fostering both academic and professional development in the field of zoology.